Ethiopia and Eritrea are on the brink of war, according to Tigray officials, raising worries about humanitarian crises. The deteriorating situation follows a split within Tigray’s ruling party and military mobilizations from both countries. Historical tensions and recent political maneuvers further complicate the relationship, necessitating immediate diplomatic solutions.
Ethiopia and Eritrea are facing increasing tensions, with the risk of war looming as officials from Ethiopia’s Tigray region express grave concerns. This potential conflict could lead to further humanitarian crises in the Horn of Africa, eclipsing the historical peace initiated by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts to reconcile with Eritrea.
The situation escalated following the Tigray civil war (2020-2022) between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian central government, resulting in significant loss of life. Current fears of renewed conflict stem from a split within the TPLF, with one faction gaining control over Tigray and reportedly seeking alliances with Eritrea. General Tsadkan Gebretensae, vice president of Tigray’s interim administration, warned of imminent war, indicating the region’s precarious position.
The Ethiopian federal government has remained silent on the ongoing tensions, while Eritrea’s Information Minister characterized Tsadkan’s remarks as incitement. Nonetheless, Eritrea executed a nationwide military mobilization in February, and Ethiopia reportedly moved troops to the border, heightening fears of conflict. Analysts Payton Knopf and Alexander Rondos emphasized that the deteriorating situation is a volatile mix poised for ignition.
Historically, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been troubled, marked by a border war from 1998-2000. Despite reconciliation efforts in 2018, the subsequent exclusion of Eritrea from peace processes has rekindled hostilities. Furthermore, Eritrean officials reacted negatively to remarks by Abiy regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea, which may signal potential military action.
The dynamics of the region shifted further last October when Eritrea signed a security pact with Egypt and Somalia, a move interpreted as counterbalancing Ethiopia’s ambitions. The developments in Tigray and the relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia represent a highly volatile situation requiring careful attention to prevent a return to warfare.
In summary, the rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, particularly in the Tigray region, pose a significant threat of war, challenging the peace established in recent years. The political fragmentation within Tigray, military mobilizations by both nations, and historical grievances compound the volatility. Diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to address these issues, as failure could lead to dire humanitarian consequences in a region already beset by conflict.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
